Take-Two Boss Says 'Legacy' Civilization Audience Will Eventually Come Around on Civilization 7 Amid 'Mixed' Steam User Reviews

Civilization 7's rocky launch hasn't deterred Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, who remains confident that dedicated fans will ultimately embrace the game. Despite a "mixed" Steam user review rating, Zelnick points to a Metacritic score of 81 and numerous reviews exceeding 90, countering negative feedback, including a harsh 2/5 from Eurogamer.

The game's early access release, primarily targeting hardcore Civilization fans, has seen criticism focused on the user interface (UI), limited map variety, and missing features. Firaxis has acknowledged these concerns, promising UI improvements, the addition of multiplayer teams, and expanded map options.

Zelnick attributes the initial negative reception to the significant changes implemented by Firaxis. Civilization 7 introduces a novel three-Age campaign structure (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern) with simultaneous Age Transitions for all players. These transitions involve selecting a new civilization, choosing which legacies to carry over, and witnessing world evolution—a system unprecedented in the Civilization franchise. Zelnick anticipates that players will grow to appreciate this innovative gameplay mechanic.

However, Firaxis faces the immediate challenge of improving player sentiment, especially on Steam. The platform's user review rating significantly impacts a game's visibility and overall success. Therefore, addressing the identified shortcomings is crucial for Civilization 7's long-term prospects on Steam.